Ag One Foundation
March 2019 Enews
Common Threads Awards Luncheon honors five Valley women
Please help us in congratulating our Common Threads Awards recipients tomorrow, March 27, where we recognize this year’s honorees Kathy Briano, Visalia; Tina Carreiro, Lemoore; Giovanna DePaoli, Strathmore; Marcia Shafer, Parlier; and Margaret Mims, Fresno. The luncheon celebrates the time, talent and treasure of the Common Threads Awards honorees who have devoted their lives to agriculture and their communities. Ag One, the Jordan College and the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation continue the tradition to annually honor the lives of outstanding Valley women.
Ag One’s Inaugural Northern San Joaquin Alumni and Friends Reception
Join Ag One and the Jordan College of Agriculture Sciences and Technology for wine tasting and heavy hors d’ouevres featuring Fresno State farm products, while visiting with fellow alumni and friends! The Northern San Joaquin Alumni and Friends Reception will be held May 2, 2019 at the Michael David Winery in Lodi.
- Visit Ag One for more information on the Northern San Joaquin Alumni and Friends Reception
Register Today for the 48th Annual Turf Day Golf Classic!
Have a swinging good time at this year’s Turf Day Golf Classic, proudly sponsored by My Job Depends on Ag, on May 13! Player registration includes lunch at the turn sponsored by Zenith Agribusiness Solutions, 19th hole social hour sponsored by IBS Supplies, Inc. and dinner sponsored by Nichino America, Inc. following play and beverage carts sponsored by Monte Vista Farming Company and Ripon Manufacturing Company, plus a fabulous tee prize. Check-in at 10 a.m., shotgun start at 11 a.m. $160 per player through May 2, $175 starting May 3. The tournament is limited to the first 144 players and proceeds will benefit deserving students and programs in the Jordan College.
- Visit Ag One for more information on the Turf Day Golf Classic and to view the list of current sponsors.
Fresno State Bulldoggers Host Successful Home Rodeo!
On March 8 and 9 the Fresno State rodeo team had a successful home event! The team had seven members who were buckle winners in their respective events, including the All Around Cowboy. The Bulldoggers also had numerous other awards including Fresno State men’s team- 1st; Men’s All-around- Colton Campbell 1st, Rial Engelhart 2nd, Wacey Barrington 3rd, Cole Dodds 5th, Reed Neely 8th; Saddle Bronc- Reed Neely 4th; Bareback- Mitchell Parham 1st; Bull Riding- Christopher Rosedale 1st; Tie-Down Roping- Rial Engelhart 1st, Cole Dodds 2nd, Colton Campbell 3rd; Steer Wrestling- Colton Campbell 2nd, Wacey Barrington 3rd, Jacob Bairos 3rd, Rial Engelhart 4th, Cole Dodds 7th; Team Roping Header- Cole Petersen 1st, Colton Campbell 2nd, Reed Neely 7th; Team Roping Heeler- Wacey Barrington 1st, Rial Engelhart 3rd, Chase Cianfichi 5th; Barrel Racing- Meagan Kautz 7th; Breakaway Roping- Romey Stuhaan 1st; Goat Tying- Brittany Dias 7th, Kaitlyn DeMott 7th. Congratulations again to the rodeo team!
- Learn more about Fresno State's Rodeo Program
Ag One - Stanislaus County Alumni and Friends Dinner honors the Durrers
On March 7, 2019, Ag One hosted the 16th annual Ag One - Stanislaus County Alumni and Friends dinner at Durrer’s Barn in Modesto. This year it is our pleasure to honor Leo and Louie Durrer for their involvement and many contributions to education and agriculture in our community and to induct them into the Ag One Stanislaus County Hall of Fame. Louie Durrer and his brother Leo have graciously hosted this annual event for many years. Louie and Leo are the third generation of their dairy operation, Lorita Holsteins. In addition to supporting Fresno State, the Durrers host many other charitable organizations including events for the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol. Some may know the rustic Durrer Barn for Monday Night Football watch parties, which have been gathering many of the Durrers’ neighbors, friends and fellow dairymen for more than 20 years. They also host the annual Swiss Night to celebrate their heritage. Congratulations again and many thanks to the Durrer family!
- Read more about the Stanislaus County Alumni and Friends Dinner
Ag One's 40th Anniversary and the lasting impact by John Ganahl
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Ag One and we would like to recognize an individual who was instrumental to the founding and success of this organization. John Ganahl, who is an attorney at Dowling and Aaron, represents and counsels clients of all sizes in the areas of business startups, acquisitions and sales of businesses, entity formation and operations, and complex debt financing matters. John is an avid runner who has participated in the Two Cities Marathon for many years. In his free time John loves cooking and traveling, especially to Hawaii. When the original founders had their million dollar idea to start a foundation that would benefit, promote and support the college and its programs, it was John's leadership that paved the way toward establishing an endowment. He used his expertise to help Ag One reach and surpass its goal of $1 million. Today Ag One has raised over $19.5 million to award to deserving students and programs in the Jordan College. Thank you again John, for all of your guidance and support to Ag One over the years!
Fresno State Dairy Program honors Manuel Mancebo, Jr. and Katye Mancebo
In 2017, the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology announced Manuel Mancebo, Jr. from Tulare pledged a $1 million bequest in support of the Fresno State dairy science program. Mancebo, 87, helped build Kings County Truck Lines into an industry leader before selling the company in 2006. Starting as a mechanic apprentice for the family company at the age of 17, he climbed the company ranks, taking over the family business in 1971 at the age of 41. Mancebo was equally respected within the Tulare community with his wife of 61 years, Katye, who passed away in November 2014. They were active in supporting area charities, including Valley Children’s hospital, St. Aloysius Catholic Church and other community and education-based organizations. In recognition of their generosity, Fresno State requested that the campus dairy production facility be renamed the Manuel Mancebo, Jr. and Katye Mancebo Dairy Unit. The naming ceremony will be hosted on April 25 at 9:30 a.m. by the dairy production unit. Come join us in celebrating the life and generosity of the Mancebos.
- Learn more about the Fresno State's Dairy Program
Portuguese Lecture Series host first panel presentation
In celebration of Portuguese Immigrant Week, the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute hosted its first panel lecture on March 13. The panel included individuals dedicated to agriculture and the Portuguese-American legacy in the Valley such as Fred Fagundes, owner and partner of Fagundes Farms and Dairies; Richard Machado, president of Agrian; Antonio Nunes, dairyman; Kristine Nunes, underwriter, Zenith Insurance Company; and Makayla Toste, senior Fresno State student majoring in animal science. Join us for the next lecture on April 25 at 6 p.m. in the Library for a presentation by Portuguese poet and writer, Alamo Oliveira.
- View the Portuguese Lecture Series flyer.
The Fresno State Dairy Science club hosts a successful banquet!
On March 16, 200 alumni and friends attended and supported the Dairy Science Banquet. The guests enjoyed Fresno State wine and various farm products followed by the dinner program and silent auction. The Fresno State Dairy Science club has 60 active members who did an outstanding job planning and hosting the banquet. During the program the club honored two Fresno State Dairy Science Honorary Alumni, Mr. Ken Melvold and Mr. Edwin Genasci. These individuals have gone above and beyond in supporting and the program and the success of the students. The Dairy Science club also honored Dr. Sandra Witte as the 2019 Fresno State Honorary Dairy Science Club Member. Dr. Sandra Witte has not only supported the program, but also the Dairy Science advisor, Dr. Kyle Thompson. Mr. Ken Melvold, Mr. Edwin Genasci and Dr. Sandra Witte have all played a compelling role in preserving the Fresno State Dairy Science tradition. Thank you to all that have supported the Dairy Program!
Fresno State celebrates Ag Week!
The Jordan College of Agricultural Science and Technology celebrated National Ag Day on March 14. On National Ag Day numerous agriculture programs and clubs gathered in the free speech area and distributed agriculture facts and informed students about their clubs and organizations. Jordan College students handed out free Fresno State ice cream as well. Ag Day had a great turn out and the event was a great way to spread ag literacy on the Fresno State campus.
- View more Ag Week photos.
Congratulations to Charles Parker!
Ag One’s long time neighbor Charles Parker recently got promoted to Program Manager of the Agriculture Education and Family Consumer Sciences Unit in the California Department of Education. As part of his responsibilities Charles will also assume the role as State FFA Advisor. Charles has a depth of experience, having been a member of the Wasco FFA Chapter, a teacher at Kingsburg High School, the North Coast Region Supervisor, the Assistant State FFA Advisor, a Perkins Consultant, adjunct teacher at Fresno State, and most recently as the San Joaquin Region Supervisor. Charles is also currently serving as President-Elect of the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education. Charles Parker is excited to be part of providing a vision for the future of Agriculture Education, however he will miss working at Fresno State and with the San Joaquin Region. Congratulations again to Charles Parker and the best of luck on your new adventure!
Jordan College Goes Red for Women
Fifteen years ago, Go Red For Women was born as a campaign to raise awareness among women about their great health threat – heart disease. Slowly, the campaign grew into a movement – one that not only brought together thousands of women annually but became the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to eradicate heart disease and stroke all over the world. Go Red For Women provides a platform for women and their families to lead healthier lives, and drive collective action for community transformation. It’s not just about wearing red; it’s not just about sharing heart health facts. The Jordan College was pleased to support and attend the 2019 Central Valley Go Red For Women Luncheon. Dr. Witte is a board member of the American Heart Association and hosted her college.
- Learn more about the Central Valley Go Red for Women
Plant science student, Aldo Garcia, takes first place in Soil Texturing Contest
Aldo Garcia is currently a graduate student at Fresno State where he is pursuing a master’s degree in plant science. Aldo captured the first place ranking in the Soil Texturing Contest at the Southwestern Social Science Association (SSSA) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. Five soil samples of varying textures from different regions of the United States were judged. Participants competed by listing the percentages of sand and clay for each sample, as well as naming the respective USDA textural class. Seventy people from around the globe participated in the contest, including approximately 40 professionals, 20 undergraduates, and 10 graduate students. Congratulations Aldo!
- Learn about Aldo Garcia and Soil Texturing
High Treasurer Kellen Habib
Kellen Habib has been elected to serve as the high treasurer and chancellor of the California Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Zeta at Fresno State. He is a recent graduate of Fresno State with his B.S. in Animal Science with a Pre-Veterinary option. Kellen became an Alpha Zeta member in Spring 2015 and immediately became heavily involved in the chapter. Kellen is pursuing graduate school in order to obtain a Ph.D. in genetics to study infectious disease in livestock animals. Fresno State Cal-Epsilon Alumnu Jacki Mundt has retired after six years of service on the Alpha Zeta High Council. She will remain on the Alpha Zeta Foundation Board, working to provide scholarships to the members of AZ across the nation.
- Learn more about High Treasurer
Planting seeds of success...
- The Jordan Agricultural Research Center is our latest Faculty Spotlight video and features partnerships with faculty, students researchers and industry professional.
Important Dates 
April 9, 2019 32nd Annual Spring IT banquet and Career Fair
April 13, 2019 FFA State Field DAy Judging Contest Finals
May 1, 2019 Agriculture Business Banquet
May 3, 2019 Meat Industry appreciation Dinner
May 13, 2019 Ag one Turf Day Golf Classic
November 22, 2019 Ag one- Community Salute
